Kids bikes?

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

Any advice on kids bikes please? My DD is 6.5, but the height/weight of a 4/5 year old and not very strong. She's ready for a new bike this spring, been riding a great, lightweight mountain bike in a 14" wheel. She's keen for gears, but we tried her on a 20" and it's just a bit too much bike for her....but a 16" is too small and obviously has no gears.

There are not many 18" bikes out there - why? We tried a Raleigh one, but it weighed a tonne and she wouldn't manage it up hills etc. We are keen cyclists and are keen to buy her something good, but there's not much to choose from when she's bang inbetween a 16" and a 20".

Anyone else been in this situation? Any suggestions? TIA

[CMOTDibbler]

They cost to begin with, but Islabikes all the way - and you'll get the money back second hand (unlike any other childrens bike). They are vvv helpful, and have a comprehensive size guide on their website.

[SenoritaViva]

I second isla bikes. Well worth it, beautifully made and exceptionally light which means they can cycle a lot further. Plus the brakes (and gears) are very easy to use.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Not sure about the sizes apart from to say don't be tempted to buy her a t oo big bike to grow into as it may put her off.

Frog bikes are fairly new but are meant to be really good. Not sure if as good as Islabikes....

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

See, we looked at the Islabikes website, but we're in the same situation - too big for the 16 and too small for the Beinn 20 small. Plus, we can't see the Islabikes before we buy one. Will look up frog bikes, not heard of them before.....

[HolidayCriminal]

What is her inside leg measurement? She doesn't sound anywhere near big enough for a 18" wheel bike.

ime, under8s can't get the hang of gears, anyway. So a lightweight BMX is best way to go.
One possibility is a BMX racing bike, but very pricey (£300 ish) and not always easy to get them so small.
Else the right size Islabike, probably a Cnoc 16 if she's that small.
If that's out of your budget then I am a fan of car boot bikes, just check it carefully. Some can be very lightweight.

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

Inside leg is 47cm. She tried an apollo 18" (Not going to buy one in a million years!!!) and was able to get her feet to the floor as she should i.e toes/ball of foot. She was very stable on it. Also tried a Raleigh 18" (again, not buying as it's too heavy) which was fine too.

Should say she's little, but long legged/short torso, if that makes sense. She sat on a Carrera 20" and it was too much height and reach for her.

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

BTW no budget worries

[youbethemummylion]

We have just got DS1 who is 7 in a few weeks but is around the size of an 8yr old an 18" bmx and he was out on it today he will get the hang of it but it is heavier and bigger front to back than his previous 16". I think a 4/5 sized child would be fine with a 16" anything more will be hard work for her.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Have you tried Giant? Think dd had an 18" one...Taffy???

They're good bikes, not as good as an Islabike but a world away from cheap ones.

[expectingno2]

My child has the same inside leg and fits (on tiptoes) a frog 52. They are light and have gears. Would be fine if they are happy on tiptoes. Also wider supply than islabikes so you can try them out. Though the beinn 20 small should fit too - 47 insude leg is what the website says.

[expectingno2]

My child has the same inside leg and fits (on tiptoes) a frog 52. They are light and have gears. Would be fine if they are happy on tiptoes. Also wider supply than islabikes so you can try them out. Though the beinn 20 small should fit too - 47 insude leg is what the website says.

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

Expecting, her inside leg is just on the Beinn 20 but her height is too short, and without seeing it first I'm reluctant to shell out all that cash!! The frog bikes look great, and I've discovered that my local and much beloved bike shop stocks them!!!!

[CMOTDibbler]

She could use a Benin 20 small then - with Islabikes the frame is different sizes so the reach is smaller.

You can visit them to try different bikes out, and the service is great. The studio is in Shropshire, but they'll also be at some events this year. DS tried all the potential next bikes at the London Bike show earlier this year

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

The tour is nowhere near us unfortunately, typical ha ha.

Would be great to see the small islabike, but no chance of that happening as no one I know has one.

Why are there not more 18" bikes out there, does anyone know the reason for this??

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, appreciate it.

[bakingtins]

My smaller than average son has been on a Beinn 20 small since he was 5. His inside leg was a few cm less than the minimum suggested on the website when we got it, but we were able to try him on a friend's one before buying.

[cheminotte]

Have to agree Islabikes are brilliant. DS1 has been on one since age 3. He was between sizes when we got it and we got the age 4 size (16'') and made as small as possible and was fine. It is very adjustable. Has been on Benin 20 with gears since age 5 1/2. We had to change the gears for him at first but he has got the hang of it now.

I would get a small Benin 20 if I were you. You can always resell if necessary. But I don't think you'll want to.

[difficultpickle]

Trek are good and lightweight. They also have adjustable handlebars which may give more flexibility for fit.

[smartiepantsgirl]

Second the recommendation for Frog bikes. Dd and ds got theirs for Christmas, very happy with the quality.

[NormHonal]

Another recommendation here for Frog bikes.

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

Thanks for the recommendations, really like the look of the frog bikes, and the fact that we could see them (as opposed to the Islabikes) is better.

Decisions, decsions. If only DD could sprout an inch or two in the next two weeks! Any recommendations for a rack?

[BikeRunSki]

Isla, Isla, Isla.

We are on our third (size); DD is just starting on the first size (Rothan balance bike).

We looked at Frogs for DS (5) for Christmas, but they are a fair but heavier than Islas. DS have a large Beinn 20, and the equivalent size Frog is a kg heavier.

FWIW DS rides "competitively" for our local bike club and races regionally in u8s. The races are full of Islabikes, and I have never seen a Frog, despite there being a local stockist.

[BrianTheMole]

Isla bike all the way. I didn't see it either until I took the plunge, bid on it on ebay, and then went and collected. The moment I set eyes on it, I just knew, the best kids bike ever. I got it home, dd jumped on it, and within 30 mins she was cycling independently. The isla bike is a seriously nice bike.

[BikeRunSki]

Rack - anything by Saris. Solo for 1 bike, Bones for more.

Solo

Bones

[CMOTDibbler]

Those are lovely looking racks BikeRunSki. We have a towbar mounted Thule rack which is v easy to use, and rock solid

[VivaLeBeaver]

Yes, I've got a Saris Bones and its fab.